Wasn't Anyone Else Disappointed?

[Jeanne Clausen]

No: HPFGUIDX 139062

Richard Jones wrote:

> The middle of the book was well, dull compared to the other 
books.  
> Of course, things picked up at the end, but all I can say is that 
a 
> thought forced itself into my mind while reading the middle of HBP 
> that never ever occurred to me while reading any of the other five 
> books — "when will this be over?" 
> 


I had the same experience reading the book, Richard. The first two 
chapters were great, and I thought the end was the best part of all 
the books. But I found the middle of the book, where all the action 
took place in the past, much less compelling than the usual live 
action. At least I didn't miss any nights of sleep being unable to 
put the book down, as had occurred with some of the others. At one 
point in the middle of the book, I even started wondering if JKR had 
actually written it or if she had hired a ghost writer. The end of 
the book really got to me, though, especially Dumbledore's funeral 
and the crying of the phoenix. By the way, I come down on the side 
that Snape was carrying out Dumbledore's orders and will play a 
significant role in helping Harry defeat Voldemort in Book 7. I've 
noted that the titles of all the books refer to things or people 
that help Harry along the way in his quest, and I expect that the 
Half Blood Prince will be no different. I've wondered if the "book 
titles" are not one of JKR's clues in this respect.

Jeanne